Everyone will think this recipe is from a fancy restaurant. It combines savory ground beef with creamy mashed potatoes and a luscious sauce, topped with melted mozzarella cheese. This dish is perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a special family dinner. Follow these steps to create a meal that’s both elegant and delicious.
Ingredients:
- 800 grams potatoes, peeled and cut
- Water (enough to cover the potatoes)
- Olive oil (for frying)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt to taste
- 500 grams ground beef
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 350 grams tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup corn (fresh or canned)
- 1/2 cup olives, chopped
- Parsley to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter (for mashed potatoes)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for sauce)
- 2 tablespoons wheat flour
- 100 milliliters milk
- 100 grams mozzarella cheese, grated
Instructions:
- Cook the Potatoes:
- In a large saucepan, add 800 grams of peeled and cut potatoes.
- Cover the potatoes with water and bring to a boil. Cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Prepare the Beef Filling:
- While the potatoes are cooking, heat a pan over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan. Season with a pinch of salt and sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
- Add 500 grams of ground beef to the pan. Break up the meat with a spatula and cook until browned.
- Season the beef with 1 tablespoon of paprika and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix well.
- Pour in 350 grams of tomato sauce and 1/2 cup of water. Stir to combine.
- Add the chopped tomato, 1/2 green bell pepper, 1 cup of corn, and 1/2 cup of chopped olives. Mix everything together.
- Add parsley to taste and stir well.
- Cover the pan and let the mixture cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
- Once the potatoes are cooked, drain the water and transfer the potatoes to a large bowl.
- Mash the potatoes until smooth.
- Add 2 tablespoons of butter and salt to taste. Mix until the butter is melted and fully incorporated.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
- Add 2 tablespoons of wheat flour to the melted butter and stir continuously to form a roux.
- Gradually add 100 milliliters of milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to stir until the sauce thickens.
- Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Preheat your oven to 356°F (180°C).
- In a baking dish, spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the bottom.
- Add the cooked beef mixture on top of the mashed potatoes, spreading it out evenly.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the meat layer, spreading it out with a spoon.
- Sprinkle 100 grams of grated mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Bake the Dish:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 10-15 minutes.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the dish is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Serve hot and enjoy the delicious layers of creamy mashed potatoes, savory ground beef, and melted cheese.
Tips and Variations:
- Cheese Options: Experiment with different types of cheese for the topping. Cheddar, gouda, or a blend of cheeses can add unique flavors.
- Vegetable Additions: Add other vegetables to the meat mixture, such as carrots, peas, or zucchini, for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Herb Enhancements: Customize the seasoning by adding fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to the meat mixture or the mashed potatoes.
This mashed potato and ground beef bake is a fantastic way to create a restaurant-quality meal at home. The combination of creamy mashed potatoes, savory ground beef, and rich sauce topped with melted mozzarella cheese is sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want to enjoy a delicious dinner, this recipe is a winner.
Share Your Experience:
I hope you enjoy making and eating this elegant and comforting dish. Share this recipe with friends and family, and let me know how it turned out for you. If you have any favorite variations or tips, I’d love to hear about them. Enjoy this delightful meal, and see you in the next recipe adventure!
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